[Linux4christians] Beer

[Don Parris]

On Tue, 2005-01-11 at 23:01 -0500, Archbishop Abba Anthony wrote:
> Dear group,
> 
> I have sat quietly by while listening to the discussion that has now taken a 
> very disturbing turn. When I subscribed to this group I thought it would be a 
> place for fellow Christians to speak about Linux and to help each other in 
> developing a linux distribution geared towards Christians. Instead, it has 
> become a flaming list for doctrinal sword throwing. 
> 
> Remember my Brothers and Sisters, the Bible is referred to as a sword for many 
> reason, one of which is that it can be used to kill one spiritually. That I 
> am afraid, is what has started here. 
> 
> I am not going to comment on which side I think is right or wrong. I think 
> that both sides have very valid arguments. But I think both sides are wrong 
> because of the ways they have expressed those arguments. We as CHRISTIANS 
> must remember that even when Christ was lead away to be slaughtered for our 
> SINS, he was silent, as a lamb before the slaughter. 
> 
> Sometimes we must be reminded that it takes two to argue. If you are all tired 
> of the argument, then remain silent on the issue. This like many discussions 
> is one that should be left alone due to the passions on both sides of the 
> issue. 
> 
> I pray that you will all remember the wisdom of scripture that says, "Whoever 
> restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of 
> understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he 
> closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." (Proverbs 17:27-28)
> 
> I will now be silent to await my removal from the group. 
> 
> I remain, In His Service,
> 
> Archbishop Abba Anthony
> Primate of the Coptic Orthodox Catholic Church
> Bishop of the National Orthodox Catholic Church
> Webmaster of both churches, running a Fedora Core 3 Server.
> _______________________________________________

After reading some of the recent posts I see your concern.  I appreciate
your input, and believe it would be hasty to request removal from the
list before seeing if anyone has grasped the lesson you have taught.
Even I have that much patience.  I do agree that we should bear in mind
that despite our individual theological convictions, Christ is the glue
that binds us together.  It might be a good idea to take a break from
this thread.

Ultimately, we need to be patient with each other and respect each
others' views - sometimes that means simply agreeing to disagree.  Mike
and I disagree with each other on the moral philosophy that underpins
free software.  But we seem to have walked away still respecting each
other.  I encourage the others to follow our example.

Mind you, I have also ignored much of this thread, which is certainly
the right of every subscriber.  We can use something many e-mail clients
call "filters" to filter out threads we wish to ignore.  Perhaps making
use of the tools with which God has blessed us would be of good use.

<Mere Suggestion>
Perhaps this list should makes use of CS-FSLUG's strategy of requiring
"PD" (political discussion) & "TD" (theological discussion) at the
beginning of the subject heading.  It seems to have helped keep many a
good Christian involved in that Christian Linux users' list.  I'll leave
it to our moderator to ponder the suggestion.
</Mere Suggestion>


In Christ,
Don